A/N: Once again, sorry for taking so long with updating. As I mentioned before, I have a lot of studying to do right now, but I will try to update once a week. Anyway, without further ado, here is the next chapter. Some dialogue is taken from "Girl Meets Upstate". I hope you like it. Feel free to leave a review and let me know what you think :)
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Girl Meets World characters.
Piece by Piece
Piece by piece he restored my faith
"Piece by piece, he restored my faith
That a man can be kind and a father could, stay"
"This is nice," Topanga Matthews said with a warm smile. She looked at the three smiling faces of her husband, her husband's best friend and her best friend. They were currently sitting at their kitchen table, enjoying a cup of coffee and a slice of cake while Riley and Maya were in Riley's room doing their homework.
"It really is," Cory agreed. "We should do this more often."
"Definitely," Katy joined in and Shawn nodded enthusiastically. He was holding the blonde's hand under the table and couldn't believe his own luck. For once in his life, things were finally beginning to line up. He had a beautiful girlfriend, an amazing almost-daughter and a whole group of people that were like a family to him. He could not think of a single thing that would make his current situation even more ideal. Well, there was one thing …
"Okay, now that we're all here," Shawn started, eyeing his best friend. "Cory and I have something we would like to run by you two."
"We're engaged!" Cory blurted out. Katy laughed at that, Shawn shook his head and Topanga just muttered something along the lines of "My whole life …".
"No, Cor," Shawn interjected. "The other thing."
"Oh," Cory said sadly. "Well would you like to tell them, Shawnie. Or should I?"
"Oh for Pete's sake, will one of you just tell us!" Topanga exclaimed impatiently.
"I have to go on a little road trip for work. This weekend actually," Shawn explained.
Katy nodded. "I know that. You told me about it weeks ago."
"Well, there's something I left out before." Shawn smiled sheepishly.
"I wanna go, too!" Cory blurted out.
"Cor, be cool," Shawn hissed.
"Sorry," Cory said, but he couldn't quite keep the excitement from his voice.
"I don't think that should be a problem. We don't have anything planned for this weekend. So, you're good to go." Topanga smiled. She knew that her husband and Shawn weren't able to spend nearly as much time together as they would like. Maybe this trip would do both of them some good.
"Well, there's one more thing," Shawn started.
"We want to take the girls along with us!" Cory blurted out.
"Cory, we practiced this." Shawn face palmed. "You remember, out in the hall."
"Oh yeah." Cory shrugged. "Well, too late now. So, what do you guys say?"
"You want to take Riley and Maya with you?" Topanga asked.
"On your road trip?" Katy clarified. The two men nodded. "Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's a nice idea. But … why? I thought this would be about you two guys spending some quality-best-friend-time together. Doing whatever guys do on a road trip."
"It still would be," Shawn said. "We just thought we could take a second couple of best friends along."
"Yeah," Cory agreed. "Our generation's Cory and Shawn and their generation's Cory and Shawn out on the road. Guys, that could be a great set-up for a TV-Show!"
"You think they'll make it back in one piece?" Topanga whispered to Katy, ignoring her husband's last comment.
"Oh, I'm not worried about the girls." Katy shrugged. "The guys however …" Both women burst out laughing and the men glared at them.
"Oh, calm down. We're only kidding." Topanga grinned. "If the girls are up for it, I think it's a great idea!"
"Same here," Katy agreed. She turned to Shawn with a serious look on her face. "Just make sure you bring back my baby girl safe and sound, okay."
Shawn feigned looking offended. "Katy!" he exclaimed. "You know how much I care for your daughter. I promise, I'll watch her like a hawk and make sure she comes back in one piece."
"Thank you." A shy smile spread across the blonde's face. "And make sure you come home safe too, okay?" She leaned over and kissed the man on the cheek. "I don't know if you've noticed, but I care for you, too."
"Um …" Shawn started but quickly broke off while starting to blush. Yes, the man was rendered completely speechless. He was not used to being cared for. But, now that he thought about, he really could get used to this.
"Aw, those two are so damn adorable," Topanga gushed.
"I know," Cory agreed. "Why aren't we like that?"
"We were, Cor," Topanga assured him. "But we're an old married couple now."
"Oh right." Cory nodded. "Well, I have to say. That gooey-eyed sweet-talking phase did have its perks, but I like being married even more." He leaned over and kissed his wife soundly on the lips.
"Huh," Topanga made. "Who knew, we still got it. We're still adorable."
"Okay, guys. Get a room," Shawn joked and Katy giggled. "What do you say, Cor? Wanna see if the girls will do us the pleasure of accompanying us on our little adventure."
"Yay!" Cory quickly jumped up and was already almost out of the room. "What are you waiting for, Shawnie! Let's get going!"
Riley and Maya were sitting at their bay window doing their homework. Well, Riley was doing her homework; Maya … well, Maya was trying but kept getting distracted by anything and everything. And that, in turn, led to her distracting Riley from actually doing her homework.
"Peaches!" Riley had finally had enough. "I love you. But I would like to be finished with this particular homework before I'm thirty."
"Oh, come on, Riles," Maya pouted. "Homework is so boring. Can't we just watch one episode of Red Planet Diaries? Please!"
"No, Maya," Riley said firmly. "We're doing our homework first and then we watch Red Planet Diaries. And no more interruptions now. The faster you finish your homework, the faster we can watch TV."
"Fine," Maya grumbled and went back to her textbook. "No more interruptions."
"Finally." Riley sighed. The brunette picked up her pen just as the door burst open and Cory and Shawn stumbled over the threshold. "Oh, for Pete's sake! What are you guys doing here?"
"Saving me from actually doing my homework!" Maya cheered. She jumped up and hugged both men. "Thank you, boys. Now what are you doing here on this beautiful day?"
"Oh us?" Cory asked. "Well, we were just wondering if we could interest you two in taking a road trip."
"Just us four?" Riley clarified.
"Just us four." Shawn nodded. "We're gonna drive up to Kent. I heard there are a lot of ice cream stops on the way there. We're gonna get a bite to eat and spend the night at a cabin up there. The plan is to visit Kent Falls State Park the following day; take a little hike there to see the waterfalls. Then we'll head back to town; we can go shopping if you like. What do you say, girls? You up for it?"
Maya and Riley shared a look and turned to the men with matching grins on their faces. "You bet!" they chorused.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get packing!" Maya exclaimed and raced over to the window, ready to climb out. Riley instinctively grabbed her jacket, successfully making the blonde stay in place.
"Maya, we can't leave right now. We have school tomorrow," Riley told her firmly.
"That's my girl!" Cory grinned proudly and high-fived his daughter.
"Oh, come on, Riles." Maya pouted. "We're taking our teacher with us. What can we learn in school that we can't learn on this road trip, huh?"
"And that's my girl!" Shawn laughed and gave Maya a side-hug. A beaming smile spread across Maya's face at those words.
"No one is skipping school," Topanga said firmly as she entered the room with Katy. "Both of you are going to school tomorrow. But it's Friday, so you can leave straight after. Deal?"
"Does this mean I still have to do my homework?" Maya asked glumly.
"Yes, baby girl." Katy nodded. "But we can start packing as soon as you're finished."
Maya's eyes lit up at that. "Well then. All of you, out! Riley and I have some serious homework to do!" The blonde literally shoved the adults out of the room. "And no more interruptions!" And with that, she slammed the door shut.
The girls' attention spans the following day were short – very short. They were positively bubbling with excitement and had a hard time sitting still in their seats. Cory had a very similar problem; he kept pacing in front of the blackboard while teaching. The students were getting really dizzy from trying to follow him with their gazes.
"What's up with you three?" Farkle whispered to Riley and Maya. "Mr. Matthews looks like he's about to bounce off the walls."
"We're excited," Maya said simply.
"We're going on a road trip with Dad and Uncle Shawn," Riley elaborated. Both girls grinned at each other and immediately started giggling.
"Oh boy." Farkle shook his head in amusement. "You sure that's a good idea? You think you'll make it back in one piece."
"Oh, hush you," Maya told him. "It's gonna be their generation's Cory and Shawn and our generation's Cory and Shawn out on the road together."
"It's gonna be amazing," Riley added. "Yay!"
"Wait a minute there. So, if you're Cory." Farkle pointed to Riley. "And you're Shawn." He pointed to Maya. "Who am I then?"
"Well, you might be Minkus," Riley mused. "You already have the name … but then you would have your classes on the other side of the school, so that doesn't work." Maya and Farkle nodded at her reasoning.
"No, it doesn't. Maybe you're Topanga," Maya said innocently. Farkle, however, noticed the mischievous spark in her eyes. Riley, of course, was oblivious to it.
"Oh yeah," the brunette exclaimed. "You two are actually a lot alike."
Maya grinned broadly. "And we all know that there is nothing that could keep Topanga and Cory apart for too long, don't we Farkle?" Maya whispered, so only the boy could hear.
A slight blush appeared on the boy's face. "Oh, hush you," he grumbled and turned his attention back to Cory. Riley shot Maya a confused look, but the blonde shrugged it off. The brunette shook her head and started focusing on her father as well. Maya giggled quietly before following her friends' lead and turning back to the blackboard.
"Did you see the looks on their faces?" Katy giggled. She and Topanga were sitting in the Matthews' apartment enjoying a cup of coffee after their men and daughters had just left the room. "I couldn't tell who was more excited."
"My money would have to be on Cory." Topanga laughed and Katy joined in. "I mean, a weekend away with his best friend, daughter and almost-daughter. It's his dream come true."
"Oh yeah, you're probably right," Katy agreed and both women took a sip of their coffee.
"You seem awfully calm," Topanga said suddenly.
Katy gave her friend a confused look. "Why wouldn't I be calm?"
"Oh, I don't know," Topanga started. "Because your daughter is going on a road trip with Shawn Hunter and Cory Matthews?"
"So is yours," Katy pointed out.
Topanga smirked. "Yeah, but somehow I think the story has to do with you."
"Why?" Katy inquired.
"Because you seem calm," Topanga repeated.
Katy smiled. "I trust that Shawn will take good care of her."
Topanga was quiet for a moment. "You know, it's something I never thought I'd see."
Katy wrinkled her forehead. "What?"
Topanga smiled. "The way his eyes light up," she said. "I've known Shawn almost his whole life, and I have never seen his eyes light up like that."
"He's really fond of Maya," Katy agreed with an adoring look in her eyes.
Topanga softly shook her head. "I'm not talking about Maya."
"Then what are you talking about?" Katy asked.
"You know what I'm talking about," Topanga said. "Your eyes light up, too. They're lighting up right now. Katy, you are a very good actress, but you can't hide this forever."
"I love somebody?" Katy asked, tears forming in her eyes.
"Do you?" Topanga asked.
"And somebody loves me." Katy started crying happy tears and Topanga quickly wrapped her arms around her best friend.
Right then, the two women were interrupted by the sound of the front door bursting open and a new person entering the apartment. "Hey family!" Josh called out to them. Catching sight of the two women wrapped in a tight embrace with tears in each of their eyes, they boy quickly stopped dead in his tracks. "Oh, I'm so sorry for interrupting. Is everything alright? I can come back later …"
"Everything's fine, Josh," Katy assured him as she wiped the tears off of her face. "Those are happy tears."
"Yeah, come on in. My brother-in-law!" Topanga tried to imitate her husband. The other two gave her a skeptic look. "Yeah, I can't pull that off, can I?"
"Nope, but it's still great to see you." Josh grinned and gave his sister-in-law a hug. "And you too, of course, Katy." He hugged the blonde as well. "Glad to hear there's nobody I need to beat up."
"You're just too cute." Katy ruffled the teenager's hair.
"So, what brings you here, Josh?" Topanga asked.
"Oh, I just wanted to spend some quality time with my family. I actually texted Cory before driving up here. Didn't he tell you?" Josh looked around the apartment. "My brother!" he called, but there was no answer. "Huh, that's strange."
"I'm sorry, Josh, but Cory isn't here," Topanga said. "He's on a road trip with Shawn, Riley and Maya."
Josh furrowed his eyebrows and pulled out his phone. "Oh yeah, he must have texted me back after I was already on the road." Josh rubbed his neck. "Well, I'm sorry to have disturbed you. I guess, I'll be heading back then."
"Hold on there a moment, Josh," Katy stopped him.
"Yeah," Topanga chimed in. "I know we're not Cory or Shawn, but you're welcome to hang out with the two of us if you want to."
"You sure you don't mind?" Josh clarified.
"Not at all," Katy agreed. "We'd love to have you."
"Alright then." Josh grinned and the three of them sat down. Topanga filled a cup of coffee for the boy and received a grateful smile in return. The three of them started chatting about anything and everything. About two hours later, a comfortable silence spread across the table.
"Well, this is nice," Josh said.
"Yes, it is." Topanga nodded with a smile.
"I have to agree." Katy was quiet for a moment. "Actually Josh, I do have one more question I've been meaning to ask you for a while now."
"Shoot," Josh said.
Katy crossed her arms. "What exactly are your intentions towards my daughter?"
Josh gulped. "Um …" he started, but quickly trailed off.
"Oh Boy." Topanga laughed nervously. "Should I go get the baseball bat? No? Alright, I'll shut up now."
"Um …" Josh tried again. The boy cleared his throat, gathered up all of his nerves and started talking. "What exactly are you referring to, Katy … Miss Hart … Ma'am …"
A small smile appeared on Katy's face. "It's still Katy, Josh. And no, Topanga, I don't need the bat. You're talking to me here, Josh. I'm not Shawn. I like you." The boy looked a bit more relieved and smiled at the blonde. "But I love my daughter. And a blind person can see that she likes you. And, if I am not completely mistaken, you like her, too. Do you, Josh."
Josh took a deep breath. "I do," he admitted and Katy nodded. "I do like your daughter. But I also know that, at least for now, I am too old for her."
"I heard something along the lines of … what did she call it … someday?" Katy asked.
Josh nodded, a small smile stole its way onto his face. "Yes, … someday."
"So, one might say that your intentions are … honorable?" Katy inquired.
"Completely," Josh said firmly. "Katy, I care for your daughter very much. And, as I said before, I am aware that it probably isn't our time yet. Because, if we do this … when we do this … us, I want it to last."
Topanga was positively swooning hearing her little brother-in-law's words and Katy had a few tears in her eyes as well. The blonde clapped her hand together and a genuine grin appeared on her face. "That's all I needed to hear." Josh let out a relieved breath of air. "You're a good guy, Josh. I'm glad Maya likes someone like you and not someone like … well, her father. Someone kind and someone who'll stay."
"Really glad to her that." Josh grinned before a worried expression came across his face. "Could you do me a favor though, Katy?"
"Sure, Josh." The blonde gestured for him to elaborate.
"You know, when the time comes … would you mind telling Shawn everything you've just told me?" he asked pleadingly. "About me being a good guy with honorable intentions towards your daughter. I don't think he sees it that way." Katy and Topanga shared a laugh.
"Shawn likes you, too," Topanga assured the teenager.
Katy nodded in agreement. "It's just that he and Maya have developed a special bond – much like father and daughter. And he is torn between his affection for you and his need to protect his little girl," Katy explained. "So, I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that, while I do intend to keep him in check, you probably will have to deal with the overprotective side of him some time in the future … you know, when the time comes." Katy winked and Josh blushed.
"I wish I could disagree, but fathers are unpredictable when it comes to their little girls," Topanga explained. "Cory once literally carried Riley away from Lucas when he thought there was something going on there. And Shawn has bought not only one but two baseball bats by now. I don't think he's gonna be any better."
Josh gulped. "Two?" he croaked and the women laughed.
"Well, Josh." Katy giggled. "No one said dating a Hart girl would be easy."
No, it probably wouldn't be, Josh thought. But the boy was sure it would be worth it … you know, someday.
Meanwhile, things with our two father-daughter couples were going just peachy. They were currently on the road and having a blast while listening to a playlist Maya had put together. The blonde had made sure to include something for everyone. Right now, Summer of '69 was blasting through the speakers and all four of them were singing along at the top of their lungs.
"Why have we never done this before, Shawnie?" Cory suddenly asked and looked at Shawn in the driver's seat.
"No idea, Cor." Shawn shrugged. "But I think we are definitely going to do this again sometime."
Maya and Riley looked at each other with big grins on their faces. "Yay!"
After having made a stop at an ice-cream shop on the way – okay, it was three stops – and a dinner featuring delicious cheeseburgers, the foursome arrived at their cabin completely full and content. Their stay for the night was a typical hunting cabin, the inside was small but in a cozy and comfy way. All four of them immediately felt at home there. They carried their luggage inside and fell down on the couch and armchairs in the living room/kitchen.
"Well, I have to admit," Riley suddenly said. "I could get used to life on the road if it's always like this."
Shawn chuckled. "Sadly, it's not. There are always places that look better in the brochure. But this place really is not half bad."
"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Cory suddenly asked. "Because I don't think I'm up for much."
"Well, Cor. Then you're in luck," Shawn told him. "Because that's exactly what's on the itinerary for tonight. Not much." He put his keys, wallet and another item on the table before stretching and relaxing into the armchair.
"Phew," Maya agreed and leant back on her seat.
Riley eyed the table curiously. "Uncle Shawn?" The man grunted. "What is this?"
"Oh that." He gestured to the little brown item. "It's a photo wallet."
"Can I have a look?" Riley asked and Maya perked up in her seat as well.
"Knock yourselves out." Shawn chuckled and Riley grabbed the item. Maya scooted over on the couch to get a good look as well. Even though the wallet itself was rather small, there were quite a lot of pictures in there. One family shot of the whole Matthews clan – including honorary members Shawn, Maya, Katy and the infamous Mr. Feeny. Quite a few of Cory and Shawn through the ages. One of Shawn, Cory, Topanga and a newly born baby Riley. And a similar one with a newly born baby Auggie. Two pictures, however, really stood out to both girls.
"That's a cool picture," Maya said. She held up the wallet, showing off herself, Katy, Shawn and a huge pink birthday cake. This one had obviously been taken at her 14th birthday last year.
Shawn smiled. "One of my favorites. What were you wishin' for?"
"Uh, I don't remember," Maya lied. She did remember. She remembered that faithful day as if it had occurred just yesterday. I wish for Shawn to be my Dad – in whatever way possible.
Shawn looked a bit disappointed. "Okay."
"Uncle Shawn, your photos are very beautiful," Riley praised, flipping through them once more.
"Thank you." Shawn smiled. "All the ones in there are extra special to me."
"Yeah?" Maya asked. "What about that one?" She held up a picture of Shawn and Katy sitting on a bench. Shawn had his arm around the blonde's shoulder and they both smiled into the camera, looking so happy and content that Maya couldn't help but smile along.
"That's a great picture," Cory chimed in. "Let me see!" Maya handed the wallet to her teacher.
Shawn just nodded. "Lost your voice?" Maya teased.
"I don't think he's lost his voice, Maya," Riley mused. "I think he's screaming."
Shawn took a deep breath. "That was our first date," he explained. "I know what you were wishing for, Maya. I've wished for the same thing my entire life. I care about your mother. I hope that's okay." He gave the blonde a nervous smile.
Maya stood up and walked over to Shawn, who mirrored her action. They met in the middle of the room, Riley and Cory just watched them expectantly. "It's okay," Maya said simply.
"Keep going!" Riley encouraged.
"I like you, too!" Shawn blurted out.
"Keep going!" Cory repeated.
"I'm very extremely fond of you," Shawn said slowly, his smile growing bigger with each word. Maya grinned and closed the distance between the two of them. She hugged the older man tightly.
"Say it," Cory said softly.
Not letting go of Maya for even a second, Shawn turned towards his best friend. "I don't know what comes after that! I'm damaged!"
"I'm very extremely fond of you, too," Maya said, not breaking the hug either.
"Say it!" Riley exclaimed.
"You know," Maya muttered, snuggling deeper into the embrace.
Cory and Riley shared a conspiratorial smirk. "Tough crowd," Riley said.
"That took some doing," Cory agreed. Father and daughter high-fived.
"Oh, hush you," Shawn told them and Maya giggled.
"You're gonna protect me from them?" Maya asked, a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Didn't I say I'd always be there for you?" Shawn asked.
"Awww," Riley and Cory chorused.
"Be quiet, Cory and Baby Cory!" Shawn scolded before turning back to Maya. "I didn't meet you 'til I was 32, but you're the reason, Maya, that I believe that I could be a father someday."
Maya smiled at that. "And you're the reason I believe that a man can be kind … and a father can stay."
After that talk, the four of them decided to lighten the mood with some board games. Well, let's just say it wasn't the best idea – there was some serious board and figure throwing involved. It wasn't until very late in the night that they decided to retire to their rooms to get some sleep. That proved to be a very bad idea because Shawn had planned for them to be up and at 'em the next day at the crack of dawn.
"Why?" Riley asked. "Why in God's name did we have to get up so early?"
"We have a full day planned." Shawn – the only one who was wide awake and excited to head out – grinned at the other three. "Now let's get moving!"
"Why are you so chipper," Cory muttered and glared at his best friend.
"Because it's a beautiful day and I wanna make the most of it," Shawn explained happily.
"You know, just for the record." Maya yawned. "Right now, I hate you. Just a little bit."
"Yeah, yeah. I know." Shawn smiled and shoved Cory and the girls out of the door.
The drive to Kent Falls State Park went by really quickly. It was a beautiful, sunny day, but the air was still a bit brisk. All four of them were glad that they had remembered to bring a warmer jacket. After quickly shrugging them one, they set off on the short hike to see the waterfalls.
"Wow!" Riley exclaimed after a little while of just walking in silence. "This is just so beautiful!" They were standing on top of a little hill and could see a waterfall underneath their feet. They could see the water sparkling in the sunlight and feel the mist of the water in their faces.
"It really is," Cory agreed and gave his daughter a side-hug.
Seeing something out of the corner of her eye, Maya crouched down on the ground. The blonde put out her right hand and grabbed a little object. "Watcha got there, kiddo?" Shawn asked and leant down next to the girl.
Maya held her hand out to him and Shawn could see exactly what she had found. A heart-shaped stone, no bigger than the palm of the girl's hand. "It just caught my eye."
"It's really pretty," Riley gushed and Maya nodded. The blonde took one last look at the item before laying it back down on the ground.
"You're not taking it with you?" Shawn asked, clearly confused.
Maya shook her head. "No," the girl said simply. "Wouldn't want to deprive other people from seeing this beautiful little stone, too. Besides, it's a heart and hearts stand for love. I already have more love in my life than I'd ever have thought possible. Somebody else might need it more."
The other three were quiet for a little while, thinking about what Maya had just said. Shawn exchanged a short glance with Cory, who nodded in understanding. "Okay, guys. What do you say we continue our hike?"
Maya and Riley nodded. "Sure," the blonde said.
"Actually," Shawn interrupted. "Why don't you guys go on ahead. We'll catch up. There's something I wanted to talk to Maya about."
Riley wanted to argue, but Cory put his arm around his daughter's shoulder and led her down the trail. "Sure thing, Shawnie. Catch you guys later."
Maya looked at the older man expectantly, but Shawn had suddenly gotten tongue-tied. Instead, he started pacing. The blonde shrugged and sat down on a big rock, deciding to give the man some time until he was ready. Shawn took a deep breath and came to an abrupt halt in front of the girl. "Okay. You know I'm not very good at the talking, but I'm gonna give it a shot anyway," he started. "I think we had a very important talk yesterday evening." Maya nodded and gestured for him to continue. "I meant what I said, Maya. I care about you and you mother very much. I know we haven't known each other that long, but I can't imagine not having either of you in my life anymore. This past year has been one of the happiest in my entire life. I've gotten something I never thought I would. And I don't ever want to lose that – you and your mother that is …" Shawn trailed off, a nervous smile on his face.
Maya gave him a small smile. "It means a lot to hear you say that, Shawn."
Shawn let out a relieved breath of air. "I'm glad you feel that way, kiddo. Anyway, the point I've been trying to get to just now with all of my rambling is … I would like to ask your permission …"
Maya was confused. "Permission for … what exactly?" What could he possibly want her permission for? After all, she was just a 15-year-old girl and he was the adult here.
"I want to ask your mother to marry me," Shawn blurted out and Maya's eyes went wide. "And I would like to have your blessing." Maya was stunned, unable to say anything. That, in turn, made Shawn very nervous. "You don't have to … I mean I'm sure it's a lot to take in … if you're not okay with it … we can just …"
Maya put up her hand to silence him. "You want my blessing because you want to propose to my Mom?" Maya clarified and Shawn nodded slowly. "You know you don't have to do that? My Mom can make her own decisions. Why ask me, too?"
"I know I don't have to, but I want to," Shawn explained and tears started forming in Maya's eyes. Those words got to her each and every time. "But this decision would involve all three of us and I want all of us to be okay with any possible changes. Should you agree and should your mother say yes, I would not only be marrying her. The three of us would be a family and I want to make sure that that would be something you're okay with."
Maya smiled through her tears. "That's the most okay thing that's ever happened to me." She jumped up from her seat and tackled the older man in a hug.
Shawn let out a relieved laugh. "So, does this mean …?"
"Yes, Shawn." Maya grinned. "You have my blessing."
Shawn picked up the blonde girl and spun her around, making Maya shriek in delight. "You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that."
"Probably just as much as saying it means to me." Maya smiled. "Shawn?"
"Yeah?"
"If … when you marry my Mom," the girl started shyly. "Would that make me your daughter."
Shawn paused for a moment. "That's how I'd like to think of you. If that's alright with you."
Maya nodded quickly. "I'd like that very much." The two of them hugged once more, huge grins on both their faces.
"So, what do you say we catch up with Cory and Riley now?" Shawn asked.
"Good plan. They'll be wondering what's taking us so long," Maya agreed.
"No need!" they heard a voice calling. Spinning around towards the sound, they could see Riley and Cory emerging from behind some bushes.
Shawn and Maya groaned as their respective best friends raced over and tackled them in a hug. "Congratulations!" father and daughter chorused.
"Hold the celebrating, please." Shawn chuckled. "Katy has to accept first."
Maya, Cory and Riley shared a glance. "She will!"
Josh had decided to spend the night at the Matthews' apartment, hoping to spend some time with his brothers – and the girls – the next day instead. From morning until late afternoon, he had accompanied Katy to Topanga's and had filled in for a waitress, who had called in sick. Now, all three of them were back at the apartment, waiting for the foursome to come back home. While Katy and Topanga were in the living room, Josh had retired to Riley's room and was currently sitting in the bay window. The girls were always talking about how it helped them think and make decisions, so the teenager decided to give it a shot. However, before he could get any real thinking done, there was a knock on the window and he could see three boys sitting on the fire escape. Josh was startled for a moment before recognizing them. He opened the window and gestured for them to come inside.
"Howdy, Dr. Turtleneck – without a turtleneck," he greeted before looking curiously at the third boy – he had seen him somewhere before. "You I don't know yet."
"That's Howdy 2.0," Farkle explained. The other boys chuckled.
"It's short for Zay," the boy himself explained grinning. Josh nodded in recognition. That was the boy Maya had greeted so enthusiastically at New Year's. Huh.
"Josh," the other boy introduced himself. "I'm Riley's uncle. Nice to meet you."
"Where are the girls?" Zay asked.
"They're not here," Josh explained.
"And you're sitting in here by yourself?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah. This seemed like a good place to just … sit and think."
"Think about what?" Farkle asked, a teasing glint appearing in his eyes. "Or should I rather ask … who?"
Josh blushed. "Oh, hush you. You two are not better. I'm not the only one liking a girl but not knowing what to do about it."
"What? How did you know?" Zay exclaimed before realizing that Josh wasn't talking to him. "Oh, those two." He gestured towards Farkle and Lucas. "Well, so, I've said too much."
A panicked expression came across Josh's face. Was Zay possibly talking about Maya? Farkle decided to quickly intervene before things got too weird. "It's different for us, Josh. Lucas and I pretty much know how we feel. It's Riley that has to make a decision."
"And Maya knows how she feels two. So basically, it's just you and Riley in an emotional rollercoaster," Lucas added.
Josh groaned. "Not helping, guys. That's what I was trying to think about here."
"Those two girls really are a handful," Farkle joked. "Look at us, they completely messed the three of us up."
"Well, the way I see it, you three can count yourselves lucky. At least once you've all managed to figure things out," Zay interjected. "They're both lovely, wonderful girls."
All four boys were startled by a blonde girl suddenly appearing on the fire escape and attempting to climb through the window. Zay shrieked and moved to the side, so Maya could climb in. "Well, hello boys. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?" She blinked, seeing her best friend's uncle next to her three friends. "Boing?"
"Oh, you know. We're just sitting here and talking," Josh explained while rubbing his neck.
"In our bay window?" Riley appeared in the window right behind Maya. The girls climbed into the room and sat down next to the boys. "Wow, I think we need a bigger bay window, Peaches!"
"Or less friends," Maya joked and all four boys got a panicked expression on their faces. "Oh, calm down. I'm just kidding. But this really is ridiculous, it's way too crowded in here. Oh, I have an idea!"
Maya jumped up and walked over to where Josh was sitting. Without saying another word, she sat down on the boy's lap. "Uh, Maya? What are you doing?" A blush spread across Josh's face.
"Just finding a place to sit, Boing. You mind?" she asked innocently.
"No complaints here," Josh told her and hugged the girl from behind. A big grin spread across the blonde's face.
"Okay guys, get a room," Riley complained. Shaking her head, the brunette couldn't help but giggle. This was turning out to be a really great day for her best friend. Finally, things were starting to work out for Maya and Riley couldn't be happier. Nobody deserved to be happy more than her best friend.
"So, you two are obviously alive," Farkle pointed out. "What about Mr. Matthews and Shawn?"
"Also alive and well. They just had to make a quick detour to get something before coming back here." Riley shrugged.
The girls chatted with their friends for a little while longer before heading into the kitchen to greet their mothers. Katy and Topanga were sitting at the kitchen table, but quickly jumped to hug their daughters.
"You guys okay?" Katy asked.
"We're great," Maya assured. The big grin on her daughter's face was all the confirmation Katy needed.
"And Cory and Shawn?" Topanga asked.
"Also still alive," Riley joked. "They should be here any minute."
Just at that moment, the door to the apartment burst open and Cory and Shawn stumbled inside. "Katy?" Shawn asked, his eyes darting through the room.
"Right here." The blonde giggled and walked over. "You alright there, Shawn?"
"I'm good." Shawn grinned. "Better than good actually. Great, even. Perfect! And you know why?"
"Why?" Katy asked, not knowing where he was going. Riley glanced at Maya, mouthing "Now?". Maya shrugged, too immersed in watching her mother and Shawn. Could this be it? Topanga quietly moved over to stand by her husband, looking at him quizzically. Cory just gave her a reassuring smile.
"It's because of you," Shawn blurted out and Katy's breath hitched. "Because of you and that pretty blonde girl standing over there." He gestured to Maya and gave her a questioning look. Maya, understanding what he wanted, nodded her confirmation and Shawn turned back to Katy. "I love your daughter …" Tears started forming in both Maya and Katy's eyes. "… and I'm in love with you. I know we haven't known each other for too long, but I know that I can't imagine my life without either of you in it. I don't ever want to lose you and I want us to take care of each other forever." Shawn got down on one knee and pulled out a ring box out of his pocket. Happy tears were now flowing freely across Maya's face and Riley gave her best friend a tight hug. Topanga gushed and Cory hugged his wife as well.
"Shawn," Katy breathed and got down on her knees as well. The blonde had tears in her eyes as well and looked up at the man she loved with an adoring expression, waiting for him to continue.
"Do you wanna get married?" Shawn asked. In the background, you could see Josh, Farkle, Lucas, Zay and Auggie peeking into the room, but none of the other's noticed. All eyes were on the couple kneeling on the floor.
A big smile appeared on Katy's face. "Yes!" Shawn's eyes lit up as he crossed the distance between the two of them. He gathered the blonde in his arms and kissed her firmly on the lips.
Maya let out an excited squeak and the others started clapping. As Shawn and Katy separated, the blonde's eyes immediately went to find her daughter. Silently, she asked for Maya's approval. The girl nodded, a huge grin on her face. Katy's eyes lit up and she held out her hands to her daughter. Maya raced over and was quickly enveloped in a hug by both Katy and Shawn. Finally, the girl thought. This was her own little family.